No Energy on LC
NiciS72
Posts: 1,043 Member
Does anyone else have this problem? It doesn't matter if I exercise or not, stay within my calories or not, I'm ALWAYS TIRED. I'm so sick of it. I've had all my stuff tested every 3 months and there is nothing wrong with me. Any ideas how to jump start my energy?
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Its not easy to offer you some suggestions where your food logs are kept private.
Are you comfortable enough to share your food diary with us?
I have a hunch....0 -
Sent you a FR. I keep it open to friends!0
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Im saying this with the utmost best intentions, so please do not take this offensively...
You do not consume enough, youre skipping meals, there are several fast-food-type foods, prepackaged foods Im seeing, and some meals (particularly breakfast) are just unbalanced....
After reviewing many of your entries, there are days you are not even consuming 800 calories.... I see you are a frequent meal-skipper.. I dont know if there are circumstances around this (for example, some mornings I sleep in until about 11:00am - so no breakfast).... I also notice you do alot of fast food-take out....
Here is a little inside tip about McDonalds 'healthy' menu.... although it can vary between vendor/supplier and franchise, the produce they use for their salads actually contains preservative properties (aka chemicals) - I was sent to the hospital after an episode of severe rectal bleeding made me pass out... they ran tests on me and determined that I was having an extreme reaction to the common food preservatives and chemicals normally used in foods like this. .... Thinking salad was suppose to be healthy, and then losing so much blood, I gave up the salads REAL quick....
I dont see enough actual healthy meals to be honest. The meals that you do have, are imbalanced for the most part....
Your sodium levels should be coming from natural foods, not processed/prepackaged/fast food.... fast food, as an example uses a combination of sodium-derivatives, then add the chemicals and preservatives... it can really mess with people and their bodies..
Instead of packaged dressing packets... try making your own salad dressings at home? Its cheaper, easier, fresher and easy to have on hand...
Amp up your protein per meal.... always make sure you have a hearty dose of good protein in the morning, I swear that is part of the key in having energy to get through the morning.....
If you can clean up the junk foods, fast foods and convert over to a much healthier avenue with foods, that will make a big difference..
But - you definitely have to stop consuming the 800-900 calorie per day, as a norm.. its definitely not healthy, unless you are actually under the advice of a physician...
EAT WOMAN!!!! LOL!!!5 -
Here is a little inside tip about McDonalds 'healthy' menu.... although it can vary between vendor/supplier and franchise, the produce they use for their salads actually contains preservative properties (aka chemicals) - I was sent to the hospital after an episode of severe rectal bleeding made me pass out... they ran tests on me and determined that I was having an extreme reaction to the common food preservatives and chemicals normally used in foods like this. .... Thinking salad was suppose to be healthy, and then losing so much blood, I gave up the salads REAL quick....
FYI, the added junk to McDonald's salad line was found in blood work....1 -
I can't see the OP diary, but this is great advice. You can't exercise and keep a healthy body moving on 800-900 calories a day. I eat mostly LC, but I eat a huge green veggie salad every day -- lettuce, spinach, cucumber, olives, avocado, celery, artichokes, etc... it's not a lot of carbs, but it's great fiber and tons of nutrients.
It's very important that you are giving your body the NUTRITION it needs to meet your daily demands.0 -
I can't see the OP diary, but this is great advice. You can't exercise and keep a healthy body moving on 800-900 calories a day.
It's very important that you are giving your body the NUTRITION it needs to meet your daily demands.
Nutrition meaning, you have to eat real foods and actually consume them.... 800 calories per day and no exercise is detrimental. Get rid of the junk food-fast food - its a deal breaker.
Nici: For the sake of the thread only being for help, and needing to consider reviewing your food diary to offer help, I went ahead and removed you to respect your privacy.... 8-)0 -
I should have said that this week is a bad one to look at as I haven't had any leftovers to bring for lunch (which I usually do). Last week and before is better to look at. Not sure what you're looking at other maybe the weekend where I was lax about logging and was under 1200. BELIEVE ME, I do eat A LOT and normally it's pretty "clean." I opened my diary for others to look at if you would.
I strive for AT LEAST 90 grams of protein a day and usually get more.0 -
I should have said that this week is a bad one to look at as I haven't had any leftovers to bring for lunch (which I usually do). Last week and before is better to look at. Not sure what you're looking at other maybe the weekend where I was lax about logging and was under 1200. BELIEVE ME, I do eat A LOT!
Its not 'just' this week that I looked at thus far.
Unfortunately you have had several bad weeks.... I looked at almost a month's worth of your food diary entries, Nici.....
You had several days where you ate 800-900 calories per day with no exercise counts added in..... Youre definitely not eating enough and unfortunately the foods you are choosing to eat are part of the problem....0 -
I should have said that this week is a bad one to look at as I haven't had any leftovers to bring for lunch (which I usually do). Last week and before is better to look at. Not sure what you're looking at other maybe the weekend where I was lax about logging and was under 1200. BELIEVE ME, I do eat A LOT!
Let me ask you this:
What is your current height and weight? ( I dont know if your ticker is current and up to date with the weight reading)0 -
Yes, it's up to date.
And how say you are my breakfasts unbalanced?0 -
Again, I just want to reiterate my original reply to you: This is meant with the best intentions, so please understand that.... sincerely.....
I can definitely tell you that 800 calories which your diary does show in several of your daily entries, is not enough. You are not eating enough on a good 85% of your food diary logs that I reviewed the last 4-6 weeks of. You have days where, you did in fact exercise, but you still didnt have enough of a daily caloric intake either.
I reviewed enough information that showed, it wasnt just 'last week' when you consumed fast food... unfortunately what you are failing to see is that you order fast food, more often than you realize... and it was found in several of your entries....not just last week.
You tend to go for alot of McDonalds, Chipotle, and some other establishment that I just didnt recognize (probably regional)...
You are not nearly eating enough in many entries where you have chosen to skip meals. I say 'chosen' only because I went to the small section below to see if you added a notes for your day's intake... there were no notes there so therefore I dont have much choice but to think you chose to skip meals... and unfortunately you do have missing meals.... I dont know if you were sick, away at the time, unable to get online to MFP because MFP is down, etc.... could be anything, but without knowing, it is safe to assume you are willingly skipping meals.
If you truly want to get the energy back, you have to be brutally honest with yourself here. You have to be honest and admit that (alot longer than a week), you havent made alot of good choices here.... again, circumstances unknown to me, I am only going by the last 4-6 weeks of what I reviewed.... the unfortunate situation here is that you arent making balanced choices, nor are you eating enough at all....
Each meal that you have should be balanced: fat, protein, healthy carbs. Low carbohydrate intakes do rely heavily on foods being fresh.. thats just how it is. The minute you incorporate on a regular basis fast food from restaurants like McDonalds and such, you take away much needed and adequate nutrition.
Eat more real foods, and make sure you are consistent as much as possible. Get rid of fast food - they arent helping you right now.... better meal planning can make an absolute difference for you...
Your lacking of energy is because of the findings I have outlined.... you can change that!!! 8-)1 -
Yes, it's up to date. 5'6" 201.
And how say you are my breakfasts unbalanced?
Breakfast....
For example, on one morning in particular: 8oz of greek yogurt, blackberries and lemon extract is not a balanced meal. You have taken a high protein, a healthy fruit-carb and extract (that probably contains sugar alcohols and preservatives) for your meal. No vegetables at all were consumed in this meal.... There isnt enough fiber in blackberries to keep a person satisfied nor give them the appropriate nutrient level to keep them until either a late midmorning snack or until lunch....0 -
Anyone else have any input?0
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Hey
If you've had all your bloodwork done and your GP has ruled out any blood disorders like anaemia then its best to go back to basics:
1) How long have you been low carbing? It can take several weeks for the body to adjust to this new way of life, and its common for some to experience lethargy and 'carb flu' in the first week or so.
2) Like other above have said, you really need to eat over 1200 (The minimum the body needs to function). Not eating enough calories will also make you feel tired. Adding healthy fats to your meals can ramp up the calories easily without having to stuff your face. Try adding avocado, olive oil or nuts as a snack.
3) Here are a few super energy boosting foods which you could try eating more of:
Leafy green veg high in iron & vitamin B: Spinach, brussels sprouts, aspargus, broccoli.
Blueberries
Almonds
Walnuts
Peanuts
Sesame seeds
Good quality natural yoghurt
Green Tea
Alfalfa sprouts
Eggs
Fresh Root Ginger
Turmeric
And my favourite: Fresh Red Chilli Pepper! Huuuuuge source of vitamin C.
http://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/love-sex-relationships/health-fitness/2011/09/top-30-energy-boosting-foods-(1)#!image-number=8
http://www.fitness-nutrition-weightloss.com/eat-these-7-energy-foods-increase-energy-levels.html
http://www.healthylifestylesblog.co.uk/balance-the-body/diet/10-foods-to-boost-energy/
4) Steer clear of prcessed foods as much as possible- the chemicals in those dont do your energy levels any good.
5) Try a natural energy boosting suppliment or vitamin with added ginseng or guarana from health food stores.
6) Try to get 7-8 hours of good sleep a night (oldie but goodie!)
6) If none of these things help- please go back to your doctor.2 -
Anyone else have any input?
Sounds like cramernh is nailing it. A healthy low carb lifestyle includes LOTS of vegies, enough protein, and as much from healthy sources as possible.2 -
On a low carb diet, you should be consuming 4-6 oz of protein per meal ans a veggie as well as having a healthy oil such as coconut oil or olive oil. If you added some extra fat via a healthy oil and the above mentioned changes to you rdiet then your energy level would increase.
I follow Atkins and my numbers are set as 65-70% fat from coconut oil (which is very healthy for you anyway) and 5-10% carbs that come from healthy veggies and the remainder from protein. I eat anywhere between 1200 cals a day to 2500 cals a day depending on the foods I eat and I am losing...BOTH inches and lbs. and I have excess energy!
Also take a multi vitamin without iron if you are eating adequate protein and green leafy veggies, you are getting iron there and also taking magnesium supplement in the evening along with Vitamin D3 will increase your energy level.
Have you seen the latest studies about McDonalds and other fast food restaurants? I homemade burger and a McDonalds burger placed along side each other and the goal was to see which one went bad first....after 5 yrs, the McDonalds burger although a hard bun still looks the same as it did the day it was bought...why??? The preservatives...the homemade burger went bad and looked/smelt like after a few days. Also there is a new video floating around that shows exactly how chicken nuggets are made....if you were to watch it, you would never eat another nugget or burger i am sure.
The healthy way to lose, have energy and succeed id to eat healthy and fresh foods. Make your own...always be prepared and of course eat enough to allow your body to keep going. Just as a car needs gas/fuel to go...so do you because without it you become energy less both physically and mentally! The brain is made up of a lot of fat...your brain needs good healthy fats to run and it needs fiber to get rid of waste and it needs protein to help fuel the muscles.
So I would suggest, going to Atkins.com and do a little reading on low carb meals or you can go to www.genaw.com and look at the recipes/meal plans with an asterik * and try to incorporate those into your day to get you started on the right track.
Best of luck to you
it's a learning curve but one you will succeed at eventually and you would have not come here if you weren't open for advice and I applaud you for that...it's a step in the right direction! 1 -
Anyone else have any input?
Sounds like cramernh is nailing it. A healthy low carb lifestyle includes LOTS of vegies, enough protein, and as much from healthy sources as possible.
I agree, you have been given great advice! Crmernh thank you I am taking notes.0 -
Anyone else have any input?
Sounds like cramernh is nailing it. A healthy low carb lifestyle includes LOTS of vegies, enough protein, and as much from healthy sources as possible.
I agree, you have been given great advice! Crmernh thank you I am taking notes.
Ganesha - thumbs up!
Laura_beau and Cracklinrose also gave some great information as well, too! 8-)0 -
Just a side note: sometimes its not easy being given honesty that might be 'to the point'.... which is why I originally posted to you that this is meant with the best intentions possible.
I hope you do understand that my comment or those of the others are not an attack against you in anyway shape or form. Sometimes a second-pair of eyes really helps..
Just like when you helped out another MFP member who wasnt losing any weight, they were getting frustrated and just didnt understand... I remember that thread, and you gave really good helpful information.....
Take that tackling fuel you shared with someone and save some for yourself... Id be willing to bet you would see really great results.... 8-)
EDIT: we are all definitely going to do the best we can to help one another!0 -
Amp up your protein per meal.... always make sure you have a hearty dose of good protein in the morning, I swear that is part of the key in having energy to get through the morning.....
I cannot agree with this more. I started my lifestyle plan with a goal to eat 50-75 grams of protein in the morning, and I don't feel lethargic on it. Heck, it's even hard to take a nap because I'm just not tired. I do get drowsy, but it doesn't last that long.1 -
I really do appreciate the input. I would however like to point out that I have been LC since 3/31/11 and NEVER had good energy. I have gotten all my levels in check since then and had hoped by doing that I'd get more energy. For the first 4-6 months I was very good and didn't eat out at all. I can confidently say that the energy thing is not new since adding in a McD's salad for lunch a few or more days a week. I will take the advice given and try some of the strategies offered. Thanks again!0
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I really do appreciate the input. I would however like to point out that I have been LC since 3/31/11 and NEVER had good energy. I have gotten all my levels in check since then and had hoped by doing that I'd get more energy. For the first 4-6 months I was very good and didn't eat out at all. I can confidently say that the energy thing is not new since adding in a McD's salad for lunch a few or more days a week. I will take the advice given and try some of the strategies offered. Thanks again!
There is really no need to defend yourself here at all, Nici... no one is questioning when you chose to began a low-carbohydrate lifestyle...
This is where helping people out can make the person in-need feel vulnerable.
It is what it is... you do consume alot of fast food-related foods...... Im certain you didnt want people to point that out, but its just being truthful and honest with you - just like you were with that other thread you posted on.....
If you truly want to adopt a low-carbohydrate lifestyle, you really have to consider what eating a low-carb lifestyle truly is.... and it doesnt involve fast food.
Sure, some people will tell you moderation, moderation, moderation, but the problem is that when you go outside the doors of a real grocery store and venture into a restaurant, you can never be certain that the salad they sell at Mc Donalds is going to be the same salad items at your local store.... I learned that the hard way and it definitely wasnt fun! LOL!!!!
The advice you gave to Centaursfarm was spot-on - you just really need to consider taking your own advice and eating more balanced, more healthy, real foods - not processed....
Otherwise, you may need to consider talking with your physician and having some labs done to see where your vitamin/minerals are measuring... But, that would also mean you have to be 100% honest with your doctor and telling him/her that you arent really eating a low-carb style of approach, you would have to be honest and admit that you do in fact incorporate fast-food... .the doctor will need to know this.....
EDIT: I sincerely wish you the best0 -
Does anyone else have this problem? It doesn't matter if I exercise or not, stay within my calories or not, I'm ALWAYS TIRED. I'm so sick of it. I've had all my stuff tested every 3 months and there is nothing wrong with me. Any ideas how to jump start my energy?
I was like that the first year but 3 years into Keto I am fine. My health was very compromised 3 years ago.1 -
Are you are consuming enough salt? I get tired and weak feeling when my salt intake is too slow.0
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Thread is from 2012.
Good advice for others may come about though. 1 -
@NiciS72 - I have only been LCHF since July 3rd so NOT an expert. However I have been fighting exhaustion for years and although I feel more energy on this regime I am still far from energetic. I went to a nutritionist about a month ago who did some tests and found I am severely dehydrated at the cellular level. This doesn't just mean H2O but my electrolytes mainly salt and potassium are out of balance - which wasn't a huge surprise to me. Cells esp muscle cells don't fire properly if yr salts are out of balance. I have suffered from heat exhaustion and dehydration issues for years when I exercise esp in the summer. I have to super-hydrate and take elytes to survive. Since this program I am taking No Salt for Potassium, Magnesium and salt daily. More so before a major workout. It does help. Keep hunting for YOUR solution. We r all different. Listen to everyone's advice and get some professional assistance if you can. Yr body is trying to talk to you. Being tired all the time is not normal and finding a solution will improve your life. Good luck2
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@GaleHawkins how on earth did you even find this thread from so far back???
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I'm rather curious to know how she's doing 5 years later and if she ever found a balance that improved her energy level!2
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I did see that she had checked in 6 days ago so still active on MFP. @NiciS72 ?? How ya doin'?
Eta: correction to May 17. It is always interesting to look back through old threads that get dredged up and see if folks are still active. I always hope they have found their way to their goal, regardless of their chosen approach.3
This discussion has been closed.